By Rigas Dardalis/ dardalis@eurohoops.net
His decision to sign a professional contract with Olympiacos not only brought him to the top level or European’s basketball scene, but also closer to the NBA! How’s that possible? Ioannis Papapetrou will be automatically eligible for next year’s draft and he’ll have a chance to showcase his talents in Euroleague and Greek league during the upcoming season.
According to NBA rules, players whose 19th birthday falls during or before the calendar year of the draft, are at least one year removed from the graduation of their high school class are automatically eligible for the draft if they have signed a contract with a professional basketball team outside of the NBA. “Papi” fits these criteria and therefore he will be eligible for the NBA draft of 2014.